To wrap up my short sabbatical break last summer in Central Asia (only Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan), there was no way I was leaving Kyrgyzstan without one last banya session. This time, I tried a modern spot (but still includes a Russian banya!) called Garden Spa in Bishkek, my friend's favorite. If you're like me and have already experienced the traditional banya at Zhirgal, it's time to take things up a notch and try something new!
๐ก Want more inspiration in Kyrgyzstan? Click on these posts and start exploring!
- Visa Guides:ย E-Visaย &ย Visa on Arrival
- Transportation between Airport & Bishkek:ย Several Ways to Go to Bishkek from Manas Airport
- Border Crossing Guide:ย Almaty to Bishkek by Public Bus (Ak-Zhol Border)
- Hostel Recommendation:ย People Hostel in Baitik Baatyr Street
- Beginner-Friendly Hike:ย Ala-Archa Hike to Ratsek Hutย orย Kol-Tor Lake Hike
- 4000-er Hike:ย Komsomolets Peak
- Sightseeing:ย Burana Tower,ย Skazka Canyon,ย Jeti Oguz, andย Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan
- Banya Experience(s):ย Bath of Aphrodite by Baytur andย Zhirgal Banya
- Travel Story:ย Four Seasons of Kyrgyzstan
Banya Information and Location in Bishkek
An upscale wellness facility in Bishkek, Garden Spa is known for its modern facilities and relaxing atmosphere. Spanning four floors and separated by gender, the spa offers a range of facilities, including:
- Lockers and Vanity Area
- Shower and Washing Area
- Hammam
- Russian Banya
- Ice plunge pool (fits one person at a time)
- Jacuzzi
- Swimming Pool
- Cafe & Restaurant
- Cinema (I didn't get to experience this, though)
Additionally, Garden Spa provides various wellness services such as massages, body scrubs, and cosmetic treatments, including body waxing, manicures, and pedicures. It's best to book these services in advance by calling them or through their Instagram page, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Open daily from 8 AM to 12 AM, the best time to visit is early in the morning or early afternoon to avoid Bishkek's notorious traffic. While the spa center is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood outside the city center, congestion on this route can be unpredictable.
For reference, Garden Spa's closest famous landmarks are Victory Park, Aqua Park Ala-Too, and Ala-Archa Mall. From these landmarks, you'll still need a taxi ride of about 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the traffic. For the Google Maps location, click HERE.
Banya Entry Cost
During my visit in July 2024, I paid 1,200 SOM as the entrance fee to Garden Spa. This fee included access to all the facilities mentioned above. Upon entry, I was provided with a disposable cap and underwear/shorts, slippers, a towel, and a robe.
As of March 2025, the entrance fee for adults has increased to 1,500 SOM.
For wellness services, prices vary but can range from 200 SOM to 2,000 SOM. Below is a photo taken in July 2024 showing the pricing for peeling and steaming services.
Banya Experience in Garden Spa in Bishkek:
With only a few banya experiences across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and even Russia, I'm still no banya expert. Every banya session teaches me something new, and this one was no exception.
Just when I thought I had fully overcome the awkwardness of nudity, here came a new challengeโgoing to a banya with a friend. We were provided disposable underwear (another first for me), but it only covered the bottom part. So, there was still that initial shyness about being half-naked in front of her.
Of course, that lasted only for about five minutes. Before I knew it, we were already chatting and gossiping about everything under the sun inside the hammam. And nudity? Again, it's nothing but part of human nature.
I had also heard that it's essential to drink water and beverages in each session to stay hydrated, but I never bothered to follow it before. This time, I finally made an effort to follow it, and what a difference! Instead of feeling drained by the heat, my body felt more refreshed and energized just by drinking water from time to time.
Then came the birch leaves. Since I had my friend with me, I finally got the courage to try it. After soaking the leaves in hot water, she gently tapped it on my back until I got used to it. Then, she asked me to do the same for her. I don't know if I did it correctly since I was worried about hitting her too hard. But that's the point! The harder you hit, the better the blood flow and muscle relief. Maybe next time, I'll go all in. ๐
Banya Verdict:
Just like my fantastic banya experience in Bath of Aphrodite by Baytur, my visit to the Garden Spa in Bishkek was nothing short of amazing. The facilities are top-notch; the restaurant offers a variety of dishes, snacks, and beverages, and the ladies providing body scrubs and waxings were both gentle yet well-experienced.
While Garden Spa may feel like a luxury to locals, its entry fees and service prices remain relatively affordable. Many other banyas in the city charge similar rates, yet some of them are older with fewer facilities.
For tourists, the only drawback is its location outside the city center. However, with a bit of planning, it's a perfect spot to unwind after your adventures around Kyrgyzstan.
That's the case for me, and one thingโs for sureโIโll be coming back for more. Maybe next time with another friend and her sister, as they promised! ๐
